Beginnings

The archipelago that developed into the thriving metropolis now known as Mumbai was indeed once populated by fishermen called Kolis. Their stone goddess, Mumbadevi, would eventually lend its name to the city we know today. The Kanheri caves, dating to the first century AD, are some of the earliest remaining structures.

The caves were built by Buddhist monks and used as a monastery and shrine and are important evidence of the rise and fall of Buddhism in India. Despite the fact that the Arabian Sea was thriving with trade between Asia and the West at the turn of the last millennium, Mumbai was largely overlooked and populated by small, indigenous communities.

Marco Polo sailed straight past Mumbai without casting a second look; amazing when you consider what a vital strategic port it would later become. Until the 13th century, the islands belonged to the Silhara dynasty, who built the other main historic site still standing – the Elephanta caves, originally called Gharapuri. These rock cut temples are dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva. Of the seven islands, the main island was known as Salsette and Raja Bhimdev - a 13th century king - established his capital at Mahikawati, now Mahim.

By 1500, the archipelago comprised seven sparsely populated islands. At the southern end stood Old Woman’s Island and Colaba, inhabited primarily by Koli fisherfolk. A third island shaped almost like an H – later to be called Bombay – was dotted with palms and tamarinds, and had a crude landing place for boats at its south-eastern tip. On the foreshores around the hillock of Dongri, Koli fishermen mended and dried their nets and built their boats.

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